<h2>Sergio ‘Checo’ Perex &amp; Valterri Bottas Join Cadillac F1 Team</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Cadillac confirms veteran duo Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as their driver lineup for F1 debut in 2026</p> <p>- Both drivers bring extensive experience with 527 combined Grand Prix starts and 16 race victories between them</p> <p>- The American team becomes Formula 1's 11th constructor, backed by General Motors and led by Graeme Lowdon</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cadillac has announced experienced campaigners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will pilot their cars when the American manufacturer joins Formula 1 in 2026.</p> <p>The General Motors-backed outfit has secured two proven race winners on multi-year contracts, marking a significant statement of intent as they prepare to become the grid's 11th team. Both drivers, aged 35, lost their race seats at the conclusion of the 2024 season but will return to competitive action with Cadillac's ambitious F1 project.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Experienced Duo Joins American F1 Project</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cadillac's driver selection emphasises experience over youth, with Perez and Bottas bringing a combined 527 Grand Prix appearances and 16 victories to the fledgling team. Team principal Graeme Lowdon, formerly of Marussia, praised the signings as "a bold signal of intent."</p> <p>"They've seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1," Lowdon explained. "Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life."</p> <p>Mexican driver Perez departed Red Bull Racing after helping secure consecutive Constructors' Championships in 2022 and 2023. His F1 career spans multiple teams including Sauber, McLaren, and Force India/Racing Point before his successful stint with the Milton Keynes squad.</p> <p>"Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career," Perez stated. "Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Bottas Returns After Mercedes Reserve Role</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Finnish driver Bottas spent 2025 as Mercedes' reserve driver following his departure from Kick Sauber. During his initial Mercedes tenure from 2017-2021, Bottas contributed significantly to five consecutive Constructors' Championships, establishing himself as a reliable and quick competitor.</p> <p>The Finn expressed enthusiasm about the groundbreaking opportunity: "This isn't just a racing project; it's a long-term vision. It's not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up."</p> <p>Bottas thanked Mercedes for their "unwavering support and sportsmanship" in facilitating his move to the American team.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Return of Checo: Sergio Perez Arrives At Cadillac F1</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In a significant move for the 2026 Formula 1 season, Sergio "Checo" Perez has been officially confirmed as one of the two drivers for the new Cadillac F1 team.&nbsp;</p> <p>This marks a full-time return to the grid for the Mexican driver, who parted ways with Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Perez's appointment, alongside veteran driver Valtteri Bottas, signals a clear intent from Cadillac to prioritize experience for their inaugural campaign.</p> <p>After spending a year away from competitive racing, Perez brings a wealth of knowledge from his decade-plus career, including a successful tenure with Red Bull where he secured multiple race wins and played a pivotal role in their Constructors' Championship victories.&nbsp;</p> <p>His proven track record of strong race management and tire preservation will be invaluable as Cadillac navigates the new technical regulations in 2026.&nbsp;</p> <p>The move represents a new chapter for Perez, offering him the chance to help build a team from the ground up and establish a legacy with the iconic American brand. His signing is seen as a major coup, providing the new team with both on-track talent and a highly marketable, experienced ambassador.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Building an American F1 Legacy</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cadillac's entry represents a significant milestone for American motorsport representation in Formula 1. CEO Dan Towriss emphasised the drivers' role beyond pure performance: "They're not just accomplished racers, they're builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for."</p> <p>GM President Mark Reuss added: "Together, we're building the foundation for American motorsports that will be an extraordinary legacy for Cadillac, GM and the sport."</p> <p>The team's 2026 F1 debut will mark Cadillac's return to premier international motorsport, with the experienced driver pairing providing crucial knowledge as the organisation transitions from concept to competitive reality on racing's biggest stage.</p>